heat exhaustion

noun

: a condition marked by weakness, nausea, dizziness, and profuse sweating that results from physical exertion in a hot environment

called also heat prostration

compare heatstroke

Examples of heat exhaustion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Dani Dennis-Sutton, who missed time in camp due to heat exhaustion, had a sack that helped slow the Cardinals’ opening drive. — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Immediate consequences can develop quickly Heat strain may begin with fatigue, headache, dizziness, weakness or nausea and progress to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. — Julian L. Gallegos, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026 Signs of heat exhaustion that parents should look for include heavy sweating, weakness or fainting, cold or pale skin and muscle cramps. — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026 Several horses collapsed from heat exhaustion after competing in stifling heat in the middle of the day during the cross-country phase of the eventing. — Danielle Rossingh, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for heat exhaustion

Word History

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heat exhaustion was in 1861

Rhymes for heat exhaustion

See All Rhymes for heat exhaustion

Browse Nearby Words

heat exchanger
heat exhaustion
heatful
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Cite this Entry

“Heat exhaustion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heat%20exhaustion. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

heat exhaustion

noun
: a condition marked by weakness, nausea, dizziness, and much sweating that results from physical exertion in a hot environment

called also heat prostration

compare heat stroke

Medical Definition

heat exhaustion

noun
: a condition characterized by faintness or fainting, palpitations, nausea, vomiting, headache, and profuse sweating and resulting from physical exertion in a hot environment

called also heat prostration

compare heatstroke

More from Merriam-Webster on heat exhaustion

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about heat exhaustion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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